Answer to Question 1The time schedule for pruning usually depends on when the plant flowers or bears fruit.
If a plant flowers in the spring, it should be pruned after it flowers. This means that
flower buds are developed during the previous season's growth. Remember that there
must be flowering and fertilization of the flower buds before fruit will develop. Plants
that flower in the summer or fall are usually pruned just before growth begins in the
spring. In this case, the flower buds develop on the new growth (current season's
growth).
Answer to Question 2It is important to prune plants at the proper angle, which means cutting the plant stem at
a 90-degree angle, because a greater angle creates a larger wound and makes it more
difficult for the plant to heal. It is also important that the cut be made the correct
distance from the bud; cutting too far from the bud leaves too much stub above the cut,
causing the branch tip to dry out and die. It may also provide a home for insects, and
results in an ugly appearance. Cutting too close to the bud may injure it.
